LET: Lotus Elise Trophy wows the crowds at Brands

The Lotus Elise Trophy showed it was worth its place on the DTM support bill at Brands Hatch at the weekend with two action-packed races won by Steve Williams and Simon Phillips.

Williams, a specialist at the Kent circuit, took victory in the opening race after pulling away from pole position in the early stages as the pack squabbled for position behind.

His advantage began to erode as he reached two-thirds distance and caught slower cars on the short ‘Indy Circuit’ layout, but he played the traffic well and was able to defend his narrow lead to the chequered flag.

The closeness of the racing was highlighted by less than a second separating the first three at the finish, Marcus Jewell holding off Phillips for second.

Tom Chatterway was fourth, with Gary Broad completing the top five, but there was disappointment for regular front runner Mark Speller, who retired almost immediately with an alternator issue.

Race 2 was even more exciting as Williams and Speller clashed on lap 12, the latter having tried an optimistic move at Paddock Hill Bend which so both end their races in the gravel trap.

Poleman Craig Denman seemed destined for victory having controlled the race as Phillips and David Alexander fought over second place.

Unfortunately for Denman, a spin saw his hopes of victory dashed as he dropped down to seventh at the finish, handing Phillips the win ahead of Alexander and Chatterway. Adrian Beer was fourth ahead of Jewell and Broad.

The race was ended a couple of laps early after a spectacular crash in the closing stages caused when Adam Bewsey spun while under pressure from Jewell, and pitched John LaMaster into an incredible series of barrel-rolls from which he thankfully walked away unscathed.

Watch Lotus Elise Trophy highlights on Motors TV.


Andy Wilkinson

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